Timing Of Sen. Ensign Resignation Raises Questions

[Purveyor]

(04-22) 14:52 PDT LAS VEGAS, CA (AP) --

U.S. Sen. John Ensign's decision this week to resign marked a mysterious change of heart for the Nevada Republican, raising questions about what an ongoing Senate ethics probe has uncovered while also muddling the field of candidates for congressional seats now held by the GOP headed into a key election year.

Leaders of the Senate Ethics Committee noted tersely Friday that Ensign made the proper decision in turning in a letter of resignation amid their unrelenting, but as yet unfinished, two-year probe of his conduct.

Ensign, 53, cited "wear and tear" on himself and his family in his announcement Thursday, which came nearly two years after he acknowledged having had an extramarital affair with a former staffer. He was accused of helping the woman's husband — a top former Ensign staffer — obtain lobbying work.

Ensign's pending departure also casts a new sense of urgency over Nevada's closely watched Senate race to replace him. After he announced last month that he would not seek re-election, Democrats hoped to claim the seat to protect their fragile Senate majority.

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/04/21/state/n155615D65.DTL

[Dkc05]

1. Is the nevada gov a democrat?

If so it a good thing. Gets to make the appointment. How about Reid's son.

[Awsi Dooger]

2. Republican; he'll appoint Dean Heller

And Heller is the most difficult opponent we could draw statewide. It will be a heavyweight battle between Heller and Shelly Berkley.

Nevada does not like to elect females to high office in statewide races. I've seen it too many times, from Jan Jones to Dina Titus to Sharron Angle. Berkley will need a strong Obama lead and a big number out of Clark County.